A idea tree, Also known as a problem tree, it is a type of graphic organizer whose main objective is to facilitate the visualization of the possible causes and consequences of a specific problem..
Thanks to the easy visualization provided by the tree of ideas regarding the possible causes and effects of a certain problem, it is possible to rank them, as well as improve their understanding and memorization.
Basically, an idea tree is a logical summary in the form of a graph, which identifies both the relationships and the dependencies that exist between some main ideas and others that are secondary.
The tree of ideas essentially consists of a central part or trunk, where the main problem is located; some roots, where the causes that originate said problem are located; and some branches, where the effects that this problem produces are located.
This type of graphic organizer can be in the shape of a tree or simply a central square or rectangle (trunk) from which other squares or rectangles (branches and roots) emerge. Later we will see several examples.
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Here are some of the most important features of using an idea tree.
By using an idea tree you can have a better vision, or a better and more complete picture of the causes and effects of a particular problem.
By having a broad overview of the causes and effects of the problem to be investigated, it is possible to gain a better understanding of it..
The fact that an idea tree breaks down all the possible causes and effects that cause a particular problem, allows it to be possible to easily identify the causes that originate the problem. In this way you can act on them to solve the problem.
The elements that make up a tree of ideas, or problems, are the following:
The trunk is the central part of the tree of ideas, here the main problem to be studied is located.
To represent it, the main problem is written inside a box, and this is located in the center of the sheet, where the tree of ideas will be diagrammed..
The roots refer to the possible main cause or causes that originate the main problem that is being studied. These roots can have a hierarchical order, where the main causes are located above the secondary causes or sub causes.
To represent the roots, all possible main causes of the problem are written under the trunk. These are then framed in a box and can be joined with lines towards the trunk.
If there are sub causes, or secondary causes, they are written below the main cause with which it is related, they are framed and joined with a line.
Branches refer to the effects or consequences of the problem under investigation. Like roots, branches can have a hierarchical order, with primary effects located below, and secondary effects above them..
The branches are represented with the name of the effect or consequence framed in a box, and are located above the trunk or main problem, joined to it with a line.
If there are sub-effects or secondary consequences, they are written above the primary ones, and they are framed and linked to their respective primary consequence..
To carry out a tree of ideas, the following steps must be followed:
The first step is to identify the main problem (trunk) on which you want to investigate its causes and effects.
Sometimes it can be confusing to identify which is the main problem within a series of problems affecting an event, since many of those problems are the root causes of the main problem.
For this reason, if you have a working group, it is best to brainstorm to establish the problems, and from there to identify the main problem.
Once the main problem has been identified, it is written in the center of the sheet, inside a box. This would be the trunk of the tree of ideas.
With the main problem already identified, we now proceed to determine what are the main causes (roots) that originate it..
Again, working as a team, all the causes that may have the greatest influence for the problem in question must be identified..
Once the main causes have been identified, they are written below the main problem, framed, and joined with lines to this.
After having clear the main causes of the problem, we try to determine the possible secondary causes of each main cause.
These are written under each main cause to which they correspond, they are framed and joined with a line.
With the main problem (trunk), and the main and secondary causes (roots) already established, we now proceed to determine the effects or consequences (branches) caused by the main problem.
Again, brainstorming identifies all the main effects and writes them above the main problem (trunk). Then, they are framed and each one is joined with a line towards the trunk.
In this step, the side effects of each main effect are identified and written above them. Then they are framed and joined with a line.
Once this is complete, the idea tree is ready for you to analyze and try to discover and solve the problems that are causing the main problem..
Here are some examples of idea or problem trees:
The following graphic is an example of an idea tree whose main problem is the high rate of environmental pollution.
The following example corresponds to an idea tree in which the main problem is the low agricultural productivity of the peasant communities of Puno.
The following example corresponds to a tree of ideas on the inadequate control of customs documents of merchandise, coming from the Puno Region to the Arequipa Region..
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